A framing effect occurs whenever a person is influenced by the way in which information is described or presented (framed). This Research Planning Grant will assist in the development of a research program which provides an intensive evaluation of differences in the encoding and processing of information as a function of positive and negative frames. Recent evidence within the domain of decision making under risk and related research in psychology suggests that complex cognitive differences may exist in response to information that is perceived as positive or negative. Several potential measures of positive and negative framing effects will be examined to establish their usefulness and feasibility. These measures include assessments of preferences in risky choice, information acquisition and use, response consistency, response times, changes in attitude, attentional biases and memory effects. Studies will be proposed within typical experimental frameworks and well as within the context of mass media. The overriding goal is to increase our knowledge of how cognition is influenced by the framing of information.
